Abstract

In 1985, the Social Democrat Party of Zürich started an initiative for an ecological waste management system in association with The Zürich Waste Department (AWZ) - to dispose waste in an eco friendly manner. It comprised of a project called ‘Zürich-Recycling’, introduction of official trash bags called ‘Züri-sacks’ and an information campaign with consumer oriented advice. AWZ made it mandatory for all residents of Zürich to use the Züri-sacks, which had to be purchased from grocery stores, for waste disposal. It followed the concept of ‘Pay as you Throw’ and people were fined if they used bags other than Züri-sacks. The Züri-sacks were quite expensive and people were wary of throwing more garbage which resulted in decreased garbage production. Collection points were also set up in the city to collect recyclable waste. An information campaign was started to create awareness among the residents of Zürich city about the ecological idea behind the waste management program of AWZ. The program had a positive effect on the city and reduced the incinerator waste by about 24% within the first few years. It was also successful in reducing the per-capita waste in Zürich.

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

• Study the waste management system in Zürich
• Recognize ways to minimize garbage production
• Understand ecological waste management system
• and Analyze the reasons for the success of the Waste Management Program in Zürich.

Keywords

Sustainability, Waste Management, Recycling, Waste disposal, Waste Management System, Eco-friendly waste management, Waste Disposal Methods, Composting, Incineration, Pay As You Throw, Garbage Meter, Switzerland, Zürich